Kissing cousins

In the lead up to our holiday in Melbourne, my sister Kate and I talked excitedly about the fun our two little cherubs would have playing together. Their last visit was a short two days, and they spent their time in a whirlwind of dancing, singing, playing chasey and sharing biscuits and sips of juice. They were truly adorable together and played without a single squabble nor a tear. We wondered what two weeks with each other would bring. 

We needn't have worried. Oscar and Amelie greeted one another like old friends. Their giggles of delight resonated throughout the house, and when we saw one, we knew the other wouldn't be far behind. They were inseparable, and like kindred spirits, they knew they were special to one another. There were a few more tears and tantrums this time, but ten times as much love was shared.

I think our babies' relationship is testament to the one we share as sisters. I hope that Oscar and Amelie grow up to be as close friends as we are.

Happy Australia Day!

How delightful spending a patriotic Australia Day in Melbourne with my sister and our little tribes.

After a morning spent dressing to the nines in red, white and blue we spent our day taking in the sights and sounds of the Botanical Gardens.

Amelie and Oscar had a fabulous time chasing each other through the gardens, rolling down the grassy hills and grooving to the sounds of Mambo at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. They loved the childrens animal farm, and had such fun feeding the ducks, goats and sheep with big handfuls of grass.

Oscar's favourite part of the day was listening to the thunderous roar of the Roulette planes and watching in awe as they flew overhead.

It was wonderful spending this auspicious day with our close family and joining the Melbourne community as we declared our Aussie pride.

I hope you too had a lovely day and celebrated in true Aussie style xx
 Blogged on the go using Blogpress for iPhone

Let's fly away

Holidaying isn't quite as simple as it used to be. I fondly recall the days of last minute flights, throwing my clothes into a suitcase and spending my days eating, shopping and drinking. Packing now takes two full days and you could be forgiven for thinking we were relocating not heading off for a two week holiday!

But oh the fun of visiting Melbourne now that my sister and I have had bambinos. Endless days of overindulgence have been replaced with picnics in the park, visits to the wildlife farm and long afternoons playing on the swings or flying a kite. 

Oscar loves visiting his cousin Amelie. They spend their time together laughing, giggling, dancing and playing chasey. There's never a dull moment, nor a better reason to relax at night with a glass of champagne!

We're currently waiting for Amelie to arrive home from her Gran's house so that we can chase bubbles through the garden and play with puppy Chloe. How I wish I could bottle some of that endless energy!

I heart the blogging world

I'm quite new to the blogging world. I'd thought about writing a blog for over a year before I finally bit the bullet, and in mid December 'A Country Wife' was born. As a blogging novice, you can imagine my surprise when I opened one of my favourite blogs, Mamma Musing, to find I'd been nominated for the Stylish Blogger Award. Thank you Kate! Mamma Musing is a gorgeous blog about the juggle of life as a home improver and working mamma, and a very cheeky two year old called Amelie. It is my inspiration.

One could say Kate is a little biased about my blogging skills, being my beautiful sister and all, but it seems she's not alone. I was very chuffed to find another of my favourite blogs, Happiness Is.... had nominated me too! Thank you Tan! Happiness Is... follows the busy life of wife, mamma and two adorable little girls called Matilda and Willow. I find I have so much in common with Mrs Richo, it's a joy to know you're not alone in the world of kid wrangling!

So my requested tasks to receive this award are:


Thank and link back the person who gave me this award
Share 7 things about myself
Pay it forward to 15 recently discovered great bloggers
Contact these bloggers and tell them about my award.

7 things about myself

1. I am the youngest of three girls. My beautiful mum and two sisters are my best friends.

2. I spent most of my childhood and all of my teenage years on stage dancing, singing and acting. Noone was more surprised then me when I stepped off the stage at age 17 and never stepped back on again.

3. I have lots of freckles and always wanted a dalmatian so we could be spotty together. 

4. I grew up a city girl, but know in my heart I'll live the rest of my life in the country. There's something about all this open space that fills me with peace.

5. I'm a shopaholic and a chocoholic. Never stand between me and either of these two things!

6. It wasn't until my little man Oscar was born that I finally believed I could be a good mum. I spend every day amazed that these two incredible little people are my own.

I couldn't decide between my last two points, so I just decided to add them both!

7. I'm a perfectionist. I need order. Sadly this doesn't extend to my ability in keeping an immaculate house (as much as I wish I could).

8. I don't like crowds. I prefer to have a small number of very good friends and I would do anything in the world for them.

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These are some of my favourite recently discovered blogs. I urge you to pop on over and take a look yourself.

1. Mamma Musing - my beautiful sister and award nominator xx
2. Happiness Is... - my other lovely nominator 
3. Homely One
4. One Perfect Day
5. Life on Planet Baby
6. Gifts of Serendipity  
7. A Birds Eye View
8. Lifes Little Whispers
9. undomestic/mumma 
10. oesch and doots

 My four favourite craft/ handmade blogs.

1. plushka's craft
2. My Friend Matilda
3. Skinflint's Blog
4. Messy Freckle

I have discovered so many lovely blogs and made such lovely friends since joining the blogging world. If you can suggest some new blogs for me to discover, I'd love to hear from you.

 

Sisters

I can't imagine life without my sisters. They are my mentors, my confidants and my best friends. They inspire me to be who I am and forgive me for who I'm not. They are the first people I turn to for advice, or to share news; whether good or bad. The wonderful part of having sisters is knowing they will always be there for me, forever. I feel so blessed to have such a close relationship with them both.

I hope that one day Mathilda gets to experience the joy of having a sister. In the meantime she is lucky to have the friendship of her cousin Amelie. I don't doubt they will grow up to be the best of friends; gossiping, playing tea parties and dressing up whenever they can. And just as I've grown up raiding my sister Kate's wardrobe, so too will Mathilda be lucky to get beautiful clothes and accessories passed down by her cousin.

This is my favourite outfit currently on loan from Amelie. I'm feeling quite nostalgic remembering she was once this small.